by Nik Rasula
About Wine features wines not typically on one’s shopping radar; unique wines with a story – of people, place or style. It tells of artisans making reasonably priced wines (under C$50 retail) while demonstrating careful Earth consideration.
About Price: $42
About The Elgin Valley: The Elgin Valley (EV) is the coolest-weather region in South Africa (SA). It lies 65-kms southeast of Cape Town and 12-kms inland of The Atlantic Ocean’s False Bay. Renowned as the Valley of Apples, farmers there began experimenting with wine grapes in the 1980s. Nearby water, plentiful cloud cover and a rolling landscape of mixed exposures, creates varied microclimates and gives rise to boundless winemaking potential.
About Place: Surrounded by mountains, the valley floor sits at 400 metres. In the shape of a raised saucer, slopes of gravelly sandstone combine with clay and decomposed shale. Ocean breezes, little summer rainfall and cool average temperatures (few days above 30 C) create prime conditions for select wine grapes.
About the Backstory: Originally a protea farm (rare flowers native to SA), the Lothian Estate was purchased by Gavin Wilson in the year 2000. Wilson – operating alongside brother Ewen – transitioned the farm to winemaking. Collaborating with Master of Wine Richard Kershaw, the brothers planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir – the famous grapes of Burgundy – with the vision of creating premium wines capable of competing worldwide.
About Sustainability: Integrity and Sustainability Certified, IPW (Integrated Production of Wine). Lothian has initiated its own projects as well, including replacing foreign plant species with native fynbos, enhancing habitats for fauna – like Cape Leopards and Eagle Owls – and initiating a skills training program for local youth.
About Chardonnay: The grape of the world’s most expensive white wines, Chardonnay’s best expression comes from cool-climate regions. The world’s most planted white, it suffers from the stigma of winemaker over-treatment (particularly with oak), giving rise to the misguided ABC (Anything but Chardonnay) movement.
About the Wine: Pouring a pale golden, delicious aromas of apricot and peach impress. On the palate, mouth-watering flavours of Meyer lemon mix with key lime and a hint of stone. The finish is fresh, clean and long.
About Pairing: ABC friends, barbequed chicken, mushroom risotto, Dover sole in lemon butter.
About Alcohol Level: 13.5%
About Availability: Check liquorconnect.com (call the listed store too) confirming availability.
CSPC # 829771
